Soft tissue repair

ABSTRACT

Methods and instruments for repairing soft tissues of a skeletal joint, such as, for example, of the foot or hand are presented. The method includes the steps of maintaining the metapodial bone intact; forming a bone tunnel through the proximal phalanx between volar and dorsal aspects of the proximal phalanx; passing a repair suture through the soft tissue to be repaired; passing the repair suture through the bone tunnel; and securing the suture. The method may be used for the repair of soft tissue, such as a volar ligament and/or a collateral ligament.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No 13/527,424, filed Jun. 19, 2012, and is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/527,765,filed Jun. 20, 2012, both of which claim the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/568,137, filed Dec. 7, 2011, U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/505,992, filed Jul. 8, 2011, U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/506,000, filed Jul. 8, 2011, U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/506,004, filed Jul. 8, 2011. All of thecross-referenced non-provisional and provisional applications are hereinincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates methods and instruments for repairing soft tissuesof a skeletal joint such as for example of the foot or hand.

BACKGROUND

Various conditions may affect skeletal joints such as the elongation,shortening, or rupture of soft tissues associated with the joint.Repairs of the soft tissues of joints that are difficult to access havebeen neglected in the past.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides methods for repairing soft tissuesassociated with joints.

In one aspect of the invention, a method of repairing soft tissue of ajoint of a human extremity includes maintaining the metapodial boneintact, forming a bone tunnel through the proximal phalanx, passing arepair suture through the soft tissue to be repaired, passing the repairsuture through the bone tunnel, and securing the suture.

In another aspect of the invention, the soft tissue to be repairedincludes a volar ligament.

In another aspect of the invention, the soft tissue to be repairedincludes a collateral ligament.

In another aspect of the invention, the soft tissue to be repairedincludes a volar plate and a collateral ligament and a repair suturefrom each is passed through a common bone tunnel.

In another aspect of the invention, passing a suture through a bonetunnel includes positioning a receiver of a suture retriever at a firstposition adjacent the proximal phalanx, placing a first portion of thepassing suture through the bone tunnel until the first portion of thepassing suture is received by the receiver, retaining the first portionwith the receiver, and moving the receiver away from the first positionto advance the suture into the bone.

In another aspect of the invention, forming a bone tunnel includesproviding a guide aligned with the suture receiver and guiding a cutterwith the guide to form the bone tunnel prior to passing the suturethrough the bone tunnel.

In another aspect of the invention, passing a suture through soft tissueto be repaired includes positioning a distal portion of a suture passervolar to the soft tissue, extending a needle through the soft tissue andinto an opening in the distal portion, and retracting the needle toretrieve a portion of the repair suture through the soft tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various examples of the present invention will be discussed withreference to the appended drawings. These drawings depict onlyillustrative examples of the invention and are not to be consideredlimiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is side elevation view of the human foot illustrating anatomicreference planes;

FIG. 2 is a dorsal view of the metatarsus and phalanx of the rightsecond metatarsophalangeal joint of the human foot;

FIG. 3 is a medial view of the bones of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a lateral view of the bones of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an illustrative example of a suturepasser according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the suture passer of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a component of the suture passer ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a is a side elevation view of the component of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the suture passer of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the suture passer of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a component of the suture passer ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the component of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of a component of the suture passer ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the component of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIGS. 18A-G are bottom plan views of variations of the component of FIG.15;

FIG. 19 is a partially sectioned side elevation view of the distal endof the suture passer of FIG. 5 illustrating a suture being loaded on thesuture passer;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the distal end of the suture passer ofFIG. 5 illustrating a suture being loaded on the suture passer;

FIG. 21 is a partially sectioned side elevation view of the distal endof the suture passer of FIG. 5 illustrating a suture being loaded on thesuture passer;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the distal end of the suture passer ofFIG. 5 illustrating a suture being loaded on the suture passer;

FIG. 23 is a partially sectioned side elevation view of the distal endof the suture passer of FIG. 5 illustrating a suture being loaded on thesuture passer;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the distal end of the suture passer ofFIG. 5 illustrating a suture being loaded on the suture passer;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the suture passer of FIG. 5illustrating a suture being loaded on the suture passer;

FIG. 26 is a partially sectioned side elevation view of the distal endof the suture passer of FIG. 5 illustrating the operation of the suturepasser;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the distal end of the suture passer ofFIG. 5 illustrating the operation of the suture passer;

FIG. 28 is a partially sectioned side elevation view of the distal endof the suture passer of FIG. 5 illustrating the operation of the suturepasser;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the distal end of the suture passer ofFIG. 5 illustrating the operation of the suture passer;

FIG. 30 is a partially sectioned side elevation view of the distal endof the suture passer of FIG. 5 illustrating the operation of the suturepasser;

FIG. 31 is a partially sectioned side elevation view of the distal endof the suture passer of FIG. 5 illustrating the operation of the suturepasser; and

FIGS. 32-50 are perspective views illustrating the suture passer of FIG.5 in use to pass sutures through a material to create a variety ofstitches.

FIG. 51 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative example of asuture passer according to the present invention;

FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative example of asuture passer according to the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a front elevation view of a component of the suture passer ofFIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a top plan view of the component of FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a side elevation view of the component of FIG. 53;

FIG. 56 is a sectional view taken along line 56-56 of FIG. 54;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a component of the suture passer ofFIG. 52;

FIG. 58 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of thecomponent of FIG. 58;

FIG. 59 is an enlarged perspective view of the proximal end of thecomponent of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a drill assembly useable with thesuture passer of FIG. 52;

FIGS. 61-70 are side elevation views illustrating the suture passer ofFIG. 2 in use;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of an optional component useable with thesuture passers of FIG. 51 and FIG. 52;

FIG. 72 is a side elevation view of an alternative suture useable withthe suture passers of FIG. 51 and FIG. 52;

FIG. 73 is a side elevation view of an alternative suture useable withthe suture passers of FIG. 51 and FIG. 52;

FIG. 74 is a side elevation view of an alternative stopper useable withthe sutures of FIG. 51 and FIG. 52;

FIG. 75 is a side elevation view of an alternative stopper useable withthe sutures of FIG. 51 and FIG. 52;

FIG. 76 is a perspective view of an alternative receiver useable withthe suture passers of FIG. 51 and FIG. 52; and

FIG. 77 is a perspective view of an alternative receiver useable withthe suture passers of FIG. 51 and FIG. 52.

FIG. 78 is a perspective view of an illustrative example of a suturepasser according to the present invention similar to that of FIG. 52;and

FIGS. 79-101 illustrate the suture passers of FIGS. 5 and 52 in use torepair soft tissues.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES

The following illustrative examples illustrate instruments andtechniques for treating skeletal joints. Instruments and techniquesaccording to the present invention may be used in conjunction with anyskeletal joint but the illustrative examples are shown in a size andform most suitable for the joints of the hand and foot. The hand andfoot have a similar structure. Each has a volar aspect. In the hand thevolar, or palmar, aspect includes the palm of the hand and is thegripping side of the hand. In the foot the volar, or plantar, aspect isthe sole of the foot and is the ground contacting surface during normalwalking Both the hand and foot have a dorsal aspect opposite the dorsalaspect. Both the hand and foot include long bones referred to asmetapodial bones. In the hand, the metapodial bones may also be referredto as metacarpal bones. In the foot, the metapodial bones may also bereferred to as metatarsal bones. Both the hand and foot include aplurality of phalanges that are the bones of the digits, the fingers andtoes. In both the hand and foot, each of the most proximal phalangesforms a joint with a corresponding metapodial bone. This joint includesa volar plate or band of connective tissue on the volar side of thejoint. The joint also includes collateral ligaments on the medial andlateral sides of the joint. A transverse ligament connects the heads ofthe metapodial bones. In the hand the joint is typically referred to asthe metacarpophalangeal joint having a palmar plate on the palmar side,collateral ligaments medially and laterally, and a transverse ligamentconnecting the metacarpals. In the foot the joint is typically referredto as the metatarsophalangeal joint having a plantar plate on theplantar side, collateral ligaments medially and laterally includingproper collateral ligaments and accessory collateral ligaments, and atransverse ligament also known as the transverse metatarsal ligament.

For convenience, the illustrative examples depict the use of instrumentsand techniques according to the present invention on metatarsophalangeal(MTP) joints of the human foot. The illustrative instruments andtechniques are also suitable for use on metacarpophalangeal (MCP) jointsof the human hand. To better orient the reader, the MTP joint and basicanatomic references are explained in more detail below.

FIG. 1 illustrates the anatomic planes of the foot that are used forreference in this application. The coronal plane 10 extends from themedial aspect 12 to the lateral aspect of the foot and from dorsal 14 toplantar 16 and divides the foot between the toes and heel. The sagittalplane 18 extends anterior 20 to posterior 22 and dorsal 14 to plantar 16and divides the foot into medial and lateral halves. The transverseplane 24 extends anterior 20 to posterior 22 and medial to lateralparallel to the floor 26.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the metatarsus 30 and proximal phalanx 50 of thesecond MTP joint of the right foot. The medial and lateral epicondyles32, 34, located on the medial-dorsal and lateral-dorsal aspects of themetatarsus 30 respectively, are the origins of the medial and lateralproper collateral ligaments (PCLs) 36, 38 and the medial and lateralaccessory collateral ligaments (ACLs) 40, 42 of the MTP joint. Themedial PCL inserts at the medial-plantar aspect 52 and the lateral PCLinserts at the lateral-plantar aspect 54 of the proximal phalanx 50. TheACLs fan out and insert into the plantar plate 44. The metatarsusincludes a metatarsal head 46 having an articular surface 48 and theproximal phalanx includes a phalangeal head 56 having an articularsurface 58. The metatarsus 30 further includes a longitudinal axis 60extending lengthwise down the center of the bone.

The terms “suture” and “suture strand” are used herein to mean anystrand or flexible member, natural or synthetic, able to be passedthrough material and useful in a surgical procedure. The term “material”is used herein to mean implants, grafts, fabric, tendon, ligament,fascia, skin, muscle, bone, and any other material it is desirable tocut or through which it is desirable to pass a suture. The term“transverse” is used herein to mean crossing as in non-parallel. Theterm “bight” is used herein to mean a bend or loop formed in theintermediate portion of a suture.

The illustrative examples of FIGS. 5-50 depict instruments andtechniques to pass a suture through a material. The instruments andtechniques may be used to pass a suture through any material, atsurgical sites anywhere in a patient's body, and for any purpose. Theinstruments and techniques are particularly useful where access toconfined spaces and the ability to pass a suture through difficult topenetrate materials are needed. For example, surgery on the hands andfeet often involve working in confined spaces around small joints andtough connective tissues through which it may be desirable to pass asuture.

FIGS. 5-17 depict an illustrative example of a suture passer 100. Thesuture passer 100 includes a housing 200, a needle assembly 300, and abarrel assembly 400 mounted together and operable to translate theneedle assembly 400 between a first, retracted position and a second,extended position to manipulate a suture strand.

The housing 200 includes a hollow receiver portion 202 having a hollowthrough bore 204 with a longitudinal bore axis 206. An enlarged counterbore 208 (FIG. 9) is formed coaxial with the through bore 204 at adistal end 210 of the receiver 202. An intermediate portion 212 of thethrough bore 204 has flat side walls 214. A handle 220 extendsdownwardly and proximally from the receiver 202 and has a longitudinalhandle axis 222. The handle axis 222 forms an angle 224 with the boreaxis 206. The angle 224 is in the range of 90 to 180 degrees; preferably100 to 140 degrees; more preferably 110 to 130 degrees. In theillustrative example of FIGS. 5-17, the angle 224 is 120 degrees. Agusset 226 extends between the handle 220 and the receiver 202 forstrength. One or more knobs extend from the housing to provide suturestrand anchor or routing points. In the illustrative example of FIGS.5-17, first and second opposed side knobs 228, 230 and a downwardlyprojecting bottom knob 232 are mounted to the receiver 202. Each knobhas a narrow waist 234 and an enlarged head 236 as shown with referenceto the bottom knob 232. A suture strand may be wrapped or tied aroundthe waist 234 to secure or route the suture. O-rings 238, 240 areprovided on the side knobs 228, 230 to grip a wrapped suture tofacilitate securing and removing a suture strand. As a suture is wrappedaround the side knobs 228, 230, it wedges between the resilient O-ring238, 240 and knob compressing the O-ring. The pressure of the O-ringpressing the suture strand against the knob as well as the deformationof the O-ring around the suture strand temporarily secures the suture.

The needle assembly 300 includes a piston 310, a stem 330, a needle 350,and a button 390. The piston 310 has a generally cylindrical body 312with a longitudinal axis 316 extending from a proximal end 318 to adistal end 320. A flange 322 extends radially outwardly from the body312 near the distal end 320. The flange has opposed flattened sides 324.A bore 326 (FIG. 12) is formed coaxially in the piston 310 at the distalend of the body 312. The stem 330 includes an elongated hollow cylinder332 having an outer diameter and an inner bore 334 defining alongitudinal axis 336 extending from a proximal end 338 to a distal end340. The needle 350 is a generally cylindrical member having a shank 352with an outer diameter defining a longitudinal axis 354 extending from aproximal end 356 to a distal tip 358. A flange 360 extends radiallyoutwardly from the shank 352 at a position intermediate the proximal anddistal ends. The needle 350 will be described in greater detail below.The button 390 has a generally cylindrical body with a longitudinal axis391 extending from a proximal end 393 to a distal end 395. A bore 398(FIG. 12) is formed coaxially in the button 390 at the distal end 395 ofthe body. The proximal portion of the needle shank 352 fits within theinner bore 334 of the stem at its distal end 340. The stem outerdiameter, near its proximal end 338, fits within the bore 326 of thepiston 310. The outer diameter of the piston 310 fits within the bore204 of the receiver 202 in linear sliding relationship. The flat sides324 of the piston engage the flat side walls 214 of the bore 204 toprevent the needle assembly from rotating relative to the receiver 202.The piston flange 322 abuts the proximal end of the intermediate portion212 of the bore 204 of the receiver 202 to provide a stop to needleassembly proximal translation relative to the receiver 202. The outerdiameter of the piston 310, near its proximal end, fits within the bore398 of the button 390 and the button 390 abuts a proximal end 216 of thereceiver to provide a stop to needle assembly distal translationrelative to the receiver 202. The joints between the button 390 andpiston 310, the piston 310 and the stem 330, and stem 330 and needle 350are secured by pressing, gluing, pinning, welding, or other suitablesecuring means. Alternatively, two or more of these components orvarious combinations of them may be made as a single piece.

The barrel assembly 400 includes a barrel bushing 410, a barrel 430, anda foot 450. The bushing 410 has a generally cylindrical body 412 havinga through bore 414 with a longitudinal axis 416 extending from aproximal end 418 to a distal end 420. A flange 422 extends radiallyoutwardly from the body 412 at a position intermediate the proximal anddistal ends. An enlarged counter bore 424 (FIG. 12) is formed coaxialwith the through bore 414 at the distal end 420 of the body 412. Thebarrel 430 includes an elongated hollow cylinder 432 having an outerdiameter and an inner bore 434 defining a longitudinal axis 436extending from a proximal end 438 to a distal end 440. The foot 450 is agenerally hook-shaped member having a hollow post 452 having an outerdiameter and an inner bore 454 defining a longitudinal axis 456extending from a proximal end 458 of the cylinder to a distal end 460 ofthe foot 450. The foot will be described in greater detail below. Thefoot post 452 outer diameter fits within the inner bore 434 of thebarrel at its distal end 440. The barrel 430 outer diameter, near itsproximal end 438, fits within the counter bore 424 of the bushing. Acoiled compression spring 250 fits coaxially over the needle assembly300 within the bore 204 of the receiver 202 and rests against the distalend of the piston flange 322. The barrel assembly 400 fits coaxiallyover the needle assembly 300 and the outer diameter of the bushing 410,near its proximal end 418, fits within the counter bore 208 of thereceiver 202 and is pressed proximally until the flange 422 abuts thereceiver distal end 210. The proximal end of the bushing retains thespring 250 within the bore 204. The joints between the foot 450 andbarrel 430, the barrel 430 and bushing 410, and the bushing 410 andreceiver 202 are secured by pressing, gluing, pinning, welding, or othersuitable securing means. Alternatively, the bushing, barrel, foot, orany combination of them may be made as a single piece. Pressing thebutton 390 distally translates the needle assembly from a first,proximal, retracted position distally along the needle axis 354compressing the spring 250 and extending the needle 350 through the foot450 to a second, distal, extended position. Releasing the button 390allows the spring 250 to expand and bias the needle assembly 300 backtoward the first position. The needle assembly 300 of the illustrativeexample of FIGS. 5-17 is a linear arrangement mounted for linear,coaxial translation in the housing 200 and barrel assembly 400 with theneedle projecting straight through the foot to increase rigidity andpower facilitating driving the needle 350 through difficult to penetratematerials and access confined spaces. The barrel 430 may have acircular, polygonal, or any other cross sectional shape.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the foot 450 of the illustrative example ofFIGS. 5-17 in greater detail. The hooked portion of the foot 450includes an elbow 462 having a first, proximal portion 464 extendingdistally from the post 452 along a proximal portion axis 465 divergingfrom the bore axis 456 at a first angle 466 relative to the bore axis456. A second, distal portion 468 extends distally from the firstportion 464 along a distal portion axis 469 converging toward the boreaxis 456 at a second angle 470 relative to the bore axis 456. The firstand second angles 466, 470 are chosen to allow the foot to extend into aconfined space, for example behind material such as a portion of softtissue such as a tendon or ligament, and position the receiver 202 so asnot to obstruct the users view of the foot and needle. The first angle466 is in the range of 0 to 180 degrees; preferably 0 to 90 degrees;more preferably 25 to 55 degrees; more preferably 35 to 45 degrees. Inthe illustrative example of FIG. 14, the first angle 466 isapproximately 42 degrees. The second angle 470 is in the range of 0 to90 degrees; preferably 25 to 55 degrees; more preferably 35 to 45degrees. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 13 and 14, the secondangle 470 is also approximately 42 degrees. An eye 472 is formed throughthe second portion 468, from a proximal facing surface 474 to a distalfacing surface 476, coaxial with the bore axis 456 for receiving thedistal end of the needle 350 when the needle is in the second position.A hole 478 defining a hole axis 480 extends through the second portion468 from the distal surface 476 and intersecting the eye 472. The hole478 permits passing a suture strand from the distal surface 476 of thesecond portion 468 to the eye 472. The hole axis 480 forms an angle 482relative to the bore axis 456. The angle 482 is between parallel to theproximal facing surface 474 of the second portion 468 and parallel tothe distal facing surface of the first portion 464; preferably in therange of 45 to 135 degrees; more preferably 45 to 90 degrees. In theillustrative example of FIGS. 13 and 14, the hole angle 482 isapproximately 90 degrees relative to the bore axis 456. A groove 484 isformed in the proximal surface 474 of the second portion 468communicating from the eye 472 to the distal end 460. A notch 486 isformed through the distal end 460 from the proximal surface 474 to thedistal surface 476 and communicating with the groove 484. The groove 484and notch 486 are sized to receive a suture strand and retain the strandon the distal end of the foot 450. The proximal surface 474 of thesecond portion 468 of the foot 450 provides a supporting platform formaterial through which the needle 350 is passed. The eye 472 allows theneedle 350 to penetrate all the way through the material and intercept asuture strand extending from the hole 478 to the groove 484.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate the needle 350 of the illustrative example ofFIGS. 5-17 in greater detail. A narrowed shaft 362 extends between theshank 352 and a sharp tip 364 at the distal end of the needle. Ashoulder 366 defines the transition from the shank 352 to the shaft 362.The shaft 362 is generally rectangular in cross section with a top 368,a bottom 370, and opposing sides 372, 374. The corners 376 are rounded.The shaft 362 has a height 378 between the top 368 and bottom 370 and awidth 380 between the sides 372, 374. Both the height 378 and width 380of the shaft are narrower than the shank 352. The width 380 of the shaft362 is greater than its height 378. The ratio of the width 380 to theheight 378 is in the range of 1 to 3; preferably 2 to 3. In theillustrative example of FIGS. 15-17 the ratio is approximately 2.3. Thedistal end of the shaft is tapered in the width dimension from the fullwidth to the tip 364. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 15-17, theshaft is tapered on a single side in the width dimension to form asingle-sided bevel 382. The distal end of the shaft is tapered in theheight dimension from the full height to the tip 364. In theillustrative example of FIGS. 15-17, the shaft is tapered on oppositesides in the height dimension to form a chisel portion 384. A notch 386is formed in the side of the shaft 362 through the shaft 362 from thetop 368 to the bottom 370. The notch 386 has an opening width 388measured parallel to the needle axis 354, a depth 389 measuredperpendicular to the needle axis 354, and a notch axis 392 forming anangle 394 to the needle axis 354. In the illustrative example of FIGS.15-17, the notch has parallel side walls 396, 398 that are parallel tothe axis 392. The notch width 388, depth 389, and angle 394 are selectedto optimize the ability of the needle 350 to capture and retain a suturestrand while avoiding snagging other material through which the needle350 passes. FIGS. 18A-18G illustrate a variety of needle designs havingvarying notch width, depth, and angle. The present inventors havedetermined that the balance between capturing and retaining a suturestrand and avoiding snagging is optimized, in the case of a suturestrand with a diameter D, when the width of the notch is in the range of0.9D to 2D. A notch width of 0.9D creates a press fit depending on theresilient nature of the suture strand. Preferably, the notch width is inthe range of 1D to 1.5D. Similarly, the notch depth is optimized whenthe depth is in the range of 0.75D to 3D. A notch depth of 0.75Dcaptures the suture but leaves a portion of the suture projecting fromthe notch. Preferably, the depth is in the range of 1D to 2D. The notchangle is in the range of 30 to 90 degrees; preferably 35 to 55 degrees.In the illustrative example of FIGS. 15-17, the notch was optimized fora USP#2-0 suture having a diameter in the range of 0.300-0.339 mm andhas a width of 0.30 mm and a depth of 0.46 mm and an angle of 45degrees. The notch opens toward the side of the needle 350 and suturepasser 100. The bevel 382 leads from the tip 364 of the needle along thenarrow side of the needle shaft 362 toward the opening of the notch 386.The needle may be sized to capture and pass one or more suture strands.

FIGS. 19-25 illustrate loading a suture strand 500, having a first end502 and a second end 504 into the suture passer 100 of FIGS. 5-17. Afirst end 502 of the suture strand 500 is inserted through the hole 478in the foot 450 from the distal surface 476 toward the eye 472 andextended past the proximal surface 474 as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. Thefirst end 502 of the suture strand is pulled distally to place thesuture strand 500 in the groove 484 as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. Thesuture strand 500 is wrapped over the distal end 460 in the notch 486and pulled proximally over the distal surface 476 of the second portionof the foot 450 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. The ends 502, 504 of thesuture strand are wrapped around the side knobs 228 and 230 and retainedby the O-rings 238, 240. In the example of FIG. 25, the suture strandends are routed proximally to the bottom knob 232 wrapped part-wayaround the proximal side of the knob 232 and secured on the side knobopposite the side on which the end was routed such that the suturestrand is maintained near the center of the suture passer 100 and betterretained on the foot 450.

FIGS. 26-31 illustrate the operation of the suture passer 100. When thebutton 390 is pressed distally, the needle assembly 300 moves distallyrelative to the housing and barrel assembly along the straight-linemotion axis 506 of the suture passer which is coaxial with the needleaxis 354 and foot bore axis 456. As the needle 350 approaches the suturestrand 500, the bevel 382 contacts the suture strand 500 and wedges itsideways increasing the tension in the suture as shown in FIGS. 26 and27. Further advancement of the needle 350 moves the notch 386 towardalignment with the suture strand 500 until the tension in the suturecauses the suture 500 to move into the notch 386 as shown in FIGS. 28and 29. Releasing pressure on button 390 allows the spring 250 to biasthe needle assembly proximally. Depending on the resilience of thesuture 500 and how tightly it is secured to the knobs 228, 230, theneedle may or may not be able to retract. By releasing one or both ends502, 504 of the suture 500, the suture ends can move toward the foot 450and allow the needle to retract and pull a bight 508 of suture 500proximally toward the barrel 430 as shown in FIG. 30. Further retractionof the needle 350 pulls the bight 508 into the barrel 430 (FIG. 31)trapping the bight 508 between the needle 350 and barrel bore 434. Torelease the bight 508, the button 390 is pressed to advance the needle350 out of the barrel 430.

FIGS. 32-50 depict examples of the illustrative suture passer 100 in useto pass sutures through a material to create a variety of stitches.Referring to FIG. 32, the suture passer has been loaded as describedrelative to FIGS. 19-25. The foot 450 is positioned adjacent material510 through which it is desired to pass the suture 500. The secondportion 468 of the foot is positioned behind the material 510 with theproximal surface 474 supporting the material 510. Referring to FIG. 33,the button 390 is pressed to advance the needle 350 through the material510 and capture the suture 500 in the eye 472 of the foot 450. Referringto FIG. 34, the button 390 has been released and the suture ends 502 and504 have been freed from the knobs 228, 230 and allowed to move distallyso that the needle 350 has retracted and pulled a bight 508 of suture500 through the material 510. Referring to FIG. 35, the button 390 hasbeen pressed to release the bight 508 and the first end 502 has beenallowed to drop free from the passer 100. Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37,the second end 504 has been removed from the foot 450 by pulling thepasser 100 proximally away from the bight or by pulling the suture 500distally away from the foot 450. The suture ends 502, 504 have beenpassed through the bight 508 and pulled to form a stitch in the form ofa hitch 512.

Referring to FIG. 38, instead of pulling the ends 502, 504 through thebight 508, the first end 502 has been pulled through the material 510 bypulling on one side of the bight 508 to form a simple stitch 514.

Referring to FIG. 39, the passer 100 is prepared for making a runningstitch by pulling suture 500 distally through the foot to create slack516 between the foot 450 and material 510. Referring to FIG. 40, theslack 516 and the second end 504 have been pulled proximally and securedto the knobs 228, 230. Referring to FIG. 41 a second bight 518 has beenpassed through the material 510 in the same manner as the first bight508 and the slack 516 and second end 504 have been released from thepasser 100.

Referring to FIG. 42, the first and second ends 502, 504 have beenpulled through to the front side of the material 510 by pulling on oneside of each of the bights 508, 518 to form a mattress stitch 520 in thematerial 510.

Referring to FIG. 43, instead of the ends 502, 504 being pulled throughthe material the first end 502 has been placed through the first bight508 and the second end 504 has been placed through the second bight 518to form a modified mattress stitch 522 with each end 502, 504 secured bya hitch.

Referring to FIG. 44, a third bight 524 has been pulled through thematerial in the same manner as the first two bights 508, 518. A stitchmay be formed by placing one or both ends 502, 504 through the bights508, 518, 524 to lock the bights as shown in FIG. 45.

Referring to FIG. 46, instead of placing the ends through the bights,the second bight 518 has been looped through the first bight 508, andthe third bight 524 has been looped through the second bight 518 to forma chain stitch 526.

Referring to FIGS. 47 and 48, another alternative to forming stitcheswith three bights is shown. Here, the second bight 518 has been cut toform third and fourth ends 528, 530. The third and fourth ends 528, 530are pulled back through the material 510 and then the first and thirdends 502, 528 are placed through the first bight 508 to form a firsthitch 532 and the second and fourth ends 504, 530 are placed through thethird bight 524 to form a second hitch 534.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, the same construct could beproduced by forming two bights 508, 518, and cutting through the slack536 on the back side of the material 510 to produce third and fourthends 538, 540 which with the first and second ends 502, 504 are used toform hitches 542, 544.

The illustrative examples of FIGS. 5-50 have been shown in use to passsuture through material to form illustrative stitches. The invention isnot limited to the specific instruments and methods depicted.Furthermore, it is to be understood that instruments and methodsaccording to the invention may be used to pass any number of bights ofsuture through one or more materials and form any desirable construct.

The illustrative examples of FIGS. 51-78 depict instruments andtechniques to pass a suture through a material. Instruments andtechniques according to the illustrative examples of FIGS. 51-78 may beused to pass a suture through any material, at surgical sites anywherein a patient's body, and for any purpose. Instruments and techniquesaccording to the illustrative examples of FIGS. 51-78 are particularlyuseful to pass a suture through a bone tunnel in an orthopedicprocedure. For example, it is often desirable to pass a suture through abone tunnel which in turn is used to pass a graft into the tunnel orattach a graft in the tunnel. While suture passers in accordance withthe illustrative examples of FIGS. 51-78 may be used with any materialat any location, and in particular with any bone adjacent any jointwithin a patient's body, the illustrative examples are shown in use witha small bone joint such as in a hand or foot to form a tunnel in andpass a graft into a metacarpal or metatarsal bone. In particular, theillustrative examples are shown in use with a phalanx bone of the foot.

FIG. 51 depicts an illustrative example of a suture passer 1100. Thesuture passer 1100 includes a suture retriever 1110 and a suture 1150.The retriever 1110 includes a receiver 1112 able to receive and retain aportion of the suture 1150. In the illustrative example of FIG. 51, thereceiver 1112 includes a foot 1114 positionable on one side of amaterial through which the suture is to be passed. The foot 1114 has aproximal end 1116, a distal end 1118, a front surface 1115, a backsurface 1117 and a longitudinal axis 1120 extending between the proximaland distal ends. The foot has an opening 1122 defining a passage througha portion of the receiver for receiving the suture 1150 and a sharp tip1124 able to engage the material and aid in maintaining the foot 1114 ina desired location. In the illustrative example of FIG. 51, theretriever 1110 further includes a handle 1130 having a proximal end1132, a distal end 1134, and a longitudinal axis 1136 extending betweenthe proximal and distal ends. The receiver 1112 may be mounted directlyto the distal end 1134 of the handle. In the illustrative example ofFIG. 51, the receiver 1112 is offset from the handle. An extension 1140having a proximal end 1142, a distal end 1144, and a longitudinalextension axis 1146 extends away from the distal end 1134 of the handletransverse to the handle axis 1136. The foot 1114 is mounted to thedistal end 1144 of the extension 1140 and extends away from theextension 1140 transverse to the extension axis 1146.

The suture 1150 includes a proximal end 1152 and a distal end 1154. Thedistal end includes a stopper 1156. In the illustrative example of FIG.51 the stopper 1156 includes a hook 1158 formed on the distal end 1154.For example, the distal end may be bent, molded, heat set, or otherwiseformed into a hook shape. The hook 1158 includes a shank 1160, a bend1162, and a barb 1164. The hook 1158 is receivable in the opening 1122.As the hook 1158 is advanced through the opening 1122, the barb 1164 andshank 1160 engage the sides of the opening 1122 and the barb 1164 movestoward the shank 1160. This movement changes the orientation of the hookto a receivable orientation in which the barb-shank maximum dimension issmaller than the opening 1122 maximum dimension and the hook passesthrough the opening. Once the hook 1158 is through the opening 1122, thebarb 1164 springs away from the shank 1160 and the hook orientationchanges to a retention orientation. Pulling the hook 1158 back towardthe opening causes the barb 1164 to engage the back surface 1117 of thefoot and resist withdrawal. The bend of the hook 1158 is such thatrelatively small movement of the barb 1164 is necessary for insertion ofthe hook through the opening 1122 but relatively large movement of thebarb 1164, in the opposite direction, is necessary for removal. The hook1158 may be withdrawn by forcing the barb to straighten or by clippingthe hook 1158 off of the suture 1150.

The proximal end of the suture may be unmodified or it may include aloop, knot, hook, barb, or other feature for engaging another material.

In use, the receiver 1112 is positioned behind material through whichthe suture 1150 is to be passed. The distal end 1154 of the suture isadvanced through the material and the stopper 1156 is engaged with thereceiver 1112. The receiver 1112 is then withdrawn from behind thematerial to advance the suture further and retrieve it partially orfully through the material. The suture 1150 may be used to connect thematerial to another material. For example the suture 1150 may be used toattach soft tissue to bone. The suture 1150 may be used to retrievesomething through the material. For example, the suture 1150 may be usedto retrieve a graft through a bone tunnel. In the illustrative exampleof FIG. 51, the foot 1114 may be positioned adjacent a bone with theopening 1122 aligned with a tunnel formed in the bone and the tip 1124engaged with the bone. The distal end 1154 of the suture 1150 may beadvanced through the bone tunnel and opening 1122 until the hook 1158engages the foot 1114. The proximal end 1152 of the suture may besecured to a graft such as by tying, stitching, looping, knotting,hooking, or other securing mechanism. The foot may then be withdrawnaway from the bone tunnel to retrieve the distal 1154 end of the sutureand pull the graft with it. Further pulling of the suture advances thegraft into the bone tunnel.

FIGS. 52-59 depict an illustrative example of a suture passer 1200similar to that of FIG. 51 and including a suture retriever 1300 and asuture 1400. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 52-59, the sutureretriever 1300 includes a handle 1310, a receiver 1320, and a guide1380. The handle 1310 includes a proximal end 1312, a distal end 1314,and a longitudinal axis 1316 extending between the proximal and distalends. The receiver 1320 includes a foot 1324 positionable on one side ofa material through which the suture is to be passed. The foot 1324 has aproximal end 1326, a distal end 1328, a front surface 1325, a backsurface 1327 and a longitudinal axis 1330 extending between the proximaland distal ends. The foot 1324 has an opening 1332 having an openingaxis and able to receiving the suture 1400. The opening 1332 includes anenlarged counterbore 1333. The foot further includes a sharp tip 1334able to engage the material and aid in maintaining the foot 1324 in adesired location. The receiver 1320 is offset from the handle 1310. Anextension 1340 having a proximal end 1342, a distal end 1344, and alongitudinal extension axis 1346 extends away from the distal end 1314of the handle transverse to the handle axis 1316. The foot 1324 ismounted to the distal end 1344 of the extension 1340 and extends awayfrom the extension 1340 transverse to the extension axis 1346.

The guide 1380 includes a tube 1382 having an inner surface 1384, anouter surface 1386, a proximal end 1388, and a distal end 1390. Theinner surface 1384 defines an inner diameter and a longitudinal axis1392. The tube 1382 is mounted to the distal end 1314 of the handle 1310with the tube axis 1392 transverse to the handle axis 1316 and coaxialwith the opening 1332 in the foot 1324. The handle 1310 axis 1316 formsan angle 1317 with the tube axis 1392. The angle 1317 facilitatesmanipulating the retriever 1300 while maintaining a line of sight forthe user and to prevent interference with tissues surrounding thesurgical site. The angle 1317 may have any suitable value. Preferablythe angle 1317 is in the range of 90 to 270 degrees. The handle 1310 mayalso be mounted at any location around the circumference of the tube1382. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 52-59, the handle iscoplanar with the foot 1324. The tube 1382 includes a slot 1394 throughthe sidewall of the tube from the inner surface 1384 to the outersurface 1386 and extending from the proximal end 1388 to the distal end1390. The guide 1380 and foot 1324 define a space 1396 between them forreceiving a bone.

The suture 1400 includes a proximal end 1402 and a distal end 1404. Thedistal end includes a stopper 1406. In the illustrative example of FIGS.52-59 the stopper 1406 includes a pledget 1408. The pledget 1408 ismounted to the suture 1400 such as by adhering, welding, crimping,molding or other suitable mounting method. The pledget 1408 may also beformed as a unitary part of the suture. The pledget is resilient toallow it to bend or compress to fit through the opening 1332. It mayalso be toggled to one side such as for example by bending the sutureadjacent the pledget 1408 to fit through the opening 1332. In theillustrative example of FIGS. 52-59, the pledget 1408 includes radiallyextending tabs 1410, 1412 that bend from substantially perpendicular tothe suture 1400 to substantially parallel to the suture 1400 to reducethe radial dimension of the pledget 1408 and allow it to pass throughthe opening in a receivable orientation. Once the pledget 1408 isthrough the opening 1332, the tabs 1410, 1412 spring back to theirinitial position and resume a retention orientation. The proximal end ofthe suture 1400 includes a loop 1420. The loop may be formed by tying aknot in a bight of a single or multiple strand suture 1400, tying theends of multiple strands together, splitting a monofilament strand,molding, or other suitable loop formation method. In the illustrativeexample of FIGS. 52-59, the loop is formed by molding a loop on amonofilament strand. A loop may be formed near the distal end inaddition to or as an alternative to loop 1420. For example, a distalloop may be formed in the suture proximal to the pledget.

FIG. 60 illustrates a drill assembly 1500 useable with the suture passer200. The drill assembly 1500 includes a drill tube 1510 and an obturator1560. The drill tube 1510 includes a tubular body 1512 having a proximalend 1514, a distal end 1516, an inner surface 1518, and an outer surface1520. The inner surface 1518 defines an inner diameter and alongitudinal axis 1522 extending between the proximal and distal ends.In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 60, a connector 1524 is mountedto the drill tube 1510 near the proximal end 1514. In the illustrativeexample of FIG. 60, the connector 1524 is a female Luer-type fitting. Astop 1528 extends radially outwardly from the body 1512.

The obturator 1560 includes an elongated body 1562 having a proximal end1564, a distal end 1566, and a longitudinal axis 1568 extending betweenthe proximal and distal ends. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 60,a connector 1570 is mounted to the obturator 1560 intermediate theproximal and distal ends. In the illustrative example of FIG. 60, theconnector 1570 is a male Luer-type fitting. The obturator 1560 isreceivable in the drill tube 1510 by inserting the distal end 1566 ofthe obturator 1560 into the proximal end 1514 of the drill tube 1510 andadvancing the obturator until the connectors engage. The obturator 1560and drill tube 1510 are locked together by rotating the connectorsrelative to one another. The drill tube 1510 and obturator 1560 havedrilling tips 1526, 1572 that align when the obturator is inserted intothe drill tube and locked. For example, the drilling tips 1526, 1572 maybe formed by assembling the obturator 1560 and drill tube 1510, lockingthem together, and then grinding the cutting tips on the drill tube 1510and obturator 1560 simultaneously. In the illustrative example of FIG.60, when the drill tube 1510 and obturator 1560 are assembled, thedrilling tips 1526, 1572 form a diamond drill tip having primary bevels1580 formed on opposed first and second sides and secondary bevels 1582to provide relief and improve cutting. The outer diameter of the drilltube 1510 and the counterbore 1333 of the opening 1332 are sized so thatthe drill tube 1510 may be received in the counterbore 1333.

FIGS. 61-70 illustrate the illustrative suture passer 200 of FIGS. 52-59and the illustrative drill assembly of FIG. 60 in use to form a bonetunnel and load a graft into the tunnel. In FIG. 61, the sutureretriever 1300 has been positioned adjacent a bone 1600 with the foot1324 on one side of the bone with the opening 1332 aligned with adesired exit location for a bone tunnel and the guide axis 1392 alignedwith the desired tunnel axis. By viewing through the tube 1382 along theaxis 1392, the location of the tunnel entrance can be visualized. Theretriever 1300 is shown positioned adjacent a phalanx bone with theextension 1340 in the joint space and the guide positioned to form atunnel from dorsal to plantar through the proximal phalanx. The guidemay be positioned at any location around the joint to create bonetunnels at any desired location in the phalanx or the metatarsus. Forexample, the guide may be positioned to create tunnels for repairing orreplacing a proper collateral ligament, accessory plantar ligament,plantar plate, or other structure in or around the joint.

In FIG. 62, the drill assembly 1500 has been guided via the innersurface 1384 of the guide tube 1382 to form a tunnel through the bone1600. Stop 1528 abuts the proximal end 1388 of the guide 1380 to limitthe drilling depth. In the illustrative examples of FIGS. 52-60, thestop 1528 abuts the proximal end 1388 when the drill tube 1510 isreceived in the counterbore 1333. Alternatively, the opening in the footmay be sized to engage the tip of the drill to limit the depth or adepth stop may be omitted.

In FIG. 63, the obturator 1560 has been removed leaving the drill tube1510 in place. Optionally, the drill tube 1510 could be removed or aone-piece drill could be substituted for the drill assembly 1500.However, by leaving the drill tube 1510 in place, the drill tube 1510locks the retriever 1300 in place on the bone, provides guidance for thesuture, and provides a smooth passage for the suture.

In FIG. 64, the suture 1400 has been inserted until the stopper 1406engages the receiver 1320. In the example of FIG. 64, the pledget 1408has been forced through the opening 1332 in the foot 1324.

In FIG. 65, the drill tube 1510 has been removed leaving the suture 1400in place.

In FIG. 66, the suture 1400 has been pulled through the slot 1394 tofree the proximal end 1402 from the guide tube 1382. The slot 1394simplifies withdrawing the retriever 1300 from the surgical site.However, the slot 1394 may be omitted and the proximal end 1402 of thesuture threaded through the guide tube 1382 as the retriever 1300 iswithdrawn.

In FIG. 67, the retriever 1300 has been withdrawn from the surgical sitetaking the distal end 1404 of the suture 1400 with it and therebyfurther advancing the suture 1400 into the bone tunnel. The suture 1400may be left attached to the retriever 1300 or it may be separated fromthe retriever by pulling the distal end 1404 back through the foot orcutting off the distal end 1404 of the suture.

In FIG. 68, the distal end 1404 of the suture 1400 has been cut off tofree it from the retriever 1300 and the retriever 1300 removed.

In FIG. 69, a graft 1610 has been engaged with the proximal end 1402 ofthe suture 1400 by threading it through the loop 1420. Alternatively, agraft or any other material may be attached to the distal end forpulling in the opposite direction. For example, such material may beattached to the distal end by tying the suture to the material. A loopmay also be formed in the distal end by the user at the time of surgeryor a loop may be preformed at or near the distal end. In addition tobeing used to retrieve a graft, the suture 1400 may be used as adefinitive repair suture in a repair or reconstruction. Also, the suture1400 may be used to pull a repair suture or another graft retrievalstrand such as, for example, a larger or more flexible strand or onewith one or more loops at different locations than suture 1400.

In FIG. 70, the suture 1400 has been pulled to advance it through thebone tunnel and pull the graft 1610 along with it to position the graft1610 in the bone tunnel and the suture 1400 has been removed.

FIG. 71 illustrates a suture inserter 1710 having an elongated body 1712with a proximal end 1714, a distal end 1716, and a longitudinal axis1718. The suture inserter 1710 may be used to advance the suture 1400into engagement with the receiver 1320 by pushing the stopper 1406. Thesuture inserter 1710 or the suture inserter 1710 in combination with thesuture may have a higher columnar strength than the suture alone andfacilitate advancing the suture 1400. In the illustrative example, thesuture inserter includes a longitudinal passage 1720 for receiving thesuture 1400 with the stopper 1406 adjacent the distal end 1716.

FIG. 72 illustrates a suture 1730 having two strands 1732 joined to astopper 1734 having a proximal end 1736 formed at an angle to the suturestrands 1732 so that the proximal end 1736 will hook onto the retriever1320. The suture 1730 is also shown with the suture inserter 1710 ofFIG. 51 useable to push the stopper 1734. For use in passing a graft,the suture strands 1732 may be tied to form a loop, stitched to thegraft, wrapped around the graft, or otherwise connected to the graft.The suture ends may also be used directly to attach hard or soft tissue,implants, or other materials at a surgical site. The suture strands mayalso be used directly as a ligament or tendon replacement.

FIG. 73 illustrates a suture 1740 having a loop 1742 retained by swaginga ferrule 1744 to retain the proximal end 1746 of the suture 1740.

FIG. 74 illustrates a suture 1750 having a stopper 1752 formed of ablock of resilient material such as, for example, a closed cell foam.

FIG. 75 illustrates a suture 1760 having a stopper 1762 joined to astrand 1764 at a pivot 1766 so that the stopper 1762 can toggle betweena receiving position generally more parallel to the strand 1764 and aretaining position generally more perpendicular to the strand 1764.

FIG. 76 illustrates an alternative foot 1770 to the foot 1324 of FIG.52. The foot 1770 has first and second opposable jaws 1772, 1774. Thefirst jaw 1772 is mounted for rotation relative to the second jaw abouta pivot 1776. The jaws 1772, 1774 are moveable between a first closed,position (shown) in which the jaw faces are adjacent one another and asecond, open position (not shown) in which the first jaw 1772 is pivotedaway from the second jaw 1774 to create a space between the jaws 1772,1774 for receiving a suture 1778. The jaws may be closed on the suture1778 to retain the suture and allow it to be retrieved. Any suitablemechanism may be used to move the first jaw relative to the second jaw.For example, a control cable 1779 may be mounted in the foot andmoveable by a remote actuator to move the first jaw 1772 between thefirst and second positions.

FIG. 77 illustrates an alternative foot 1780 to the foot 1324 of FIG.52. The foot 1780 has moveable member 1782 mounted for movement relativeto an opening 1784 between a first position in which the opening is notblocked and a suture 1786 may be received in the opening and a secondposition in which the member 1782 and edge of the opening 1784 grasp thesuture. Any suitable mechanism may be used to move the member 1782. Forexample, a control cable 1788 may be mounted in the foot and moveable bya remote actuator to move the member 1782 between the first and secondpositions.

FIG. 78 illustrates an illustrative example of an alternativeconfiguration of the suture retriever 1300 of FIG. 52. In theillustrative example of FIG. 78, a suture retriever 1800 includes firstand second guides 1810, 1812 each having a longitudinal guide axis 1814,1816 and each mounted to the distal end of a handle 1822. The guide axes1814, 1816 may be co-planar or they may lie in different planes. Theguide axes 1814, 1816 may be parallel, they may bypass one another, orthey may converge at a point. If they converge, they may converge distalto the foot 1818, at the foot 1818, or proximal to the foot 1818. Forexample, the guides 1810, 1812 may be oriented such that their axes donot converge and they can be used to guide a cutter to formnon-converging holes in a bone. In another example, the guides 1810,1812 may be oriented such that their axes converge proximal to the footbetween the distal ends of the guides 1810, 1812 and the foot 1818 andthey can be used to guide a cutter to form holes that intersect within,for example, a bone. In an exemplary method, the foot may be located ata desired location relative to a bone with a sharp tip 1820 embedded inthe bone to help maintain the position of the retriever 1800. The firstguide 1810 may be used to guide a cutter such as a drill to form a firsttunnel in the bone. The second guide 1820 may be used to guide a cutterto form a second tunnel in the bone without the need to relocate theretriever 1800 to a second position.

The illustrative examples of FIGS. 51-78 have shown examples of a suturepasser and its use to pass a suture used to pull a graft into a tunnel.However, a suture passed by the suture passer may be used in any waythat sutures are known to be used. For example a suture may be used as ashuttle for pulling another suture, graft, or anything else from bottomto top rather than from top to bottom as depicted in the illustrativeexamples. Single strands, double strands, or any number of strands maybe passed. Likewise one or more loops may be passed. Any of these may beused as a definitive suture in a repair or reconstruction, as a shuttlefor pulling another material into a desired position, or for any otherpurpose.

FIGS. 79-101 illustrate the suture passers of FIGS. 5 and 52 in use torepair soft tissues. For example, the plantar plate, PCL, or ACL may bepartially or fully torn due to acute trauma or chronic progressivefailure. Likewise, these soft tissues may be intentionally released fromtheir bony origins or attachments to facilitate a surgical procedure.The instruments and techniques of the present invention provide a way torepair these soft tissues.

FIGS. 79-86 depict an illustrative method to repair a partial tear ofthe plantar plate 44 (FIG. 84). For example, the plantar plate may betorn on one side for less than 50% of its width where it attaches to theproximal phalanx 50. Such a tear may be referred to as a Coughlin Grade1 tear or simply as a corner tear.

In FIG. 79, the suture retriever 1300 of FIG. 52 has been positionedwith its foot 1324 toward the plantar aspect of the proximal end of theproximal phalanx with the opening 1332 at a desired tunnel exit and theguide tube 1382 aligned with a desired tunnel entrance. In theillustrative method of FIGS. 79-86, the plantar plate tear is on thelateral side and the suture retriever 1300 has been positioned to createa bone tunnel on the lateral side of the proximal phalanx 50. The drillassembly 1500 is guided by the guide tube 1382 to form a bone tunnel1834 (FIG. 82).

In FIG. 80, the obturator 1560 has been removed leaving the drill tube1510 in place to guide a first, or passing, suture 1830 to the opening1332 in the foot 1324.

In FIG. 81, the first suture 1830 has been inserted until a stopper 1832at its distal end is passed through the opening 1332 to engage the foot1324 (FIG. 82).

In FIG. 82, the suture retriever 1300 has been withdrawn from theproximal phalanx 50 pulling the distal end of the first suture 1830 withit to advance the first suture 1830 in the bone tunnel 1834.

In FIG. 83, the stopper has been cut off of the distal end of the firstsuture 1830 to free the first suture from the retriever 1300 and thedistal end of the first suture 1830 has been tied to form a loop 1836.Alternatively, the loop 1836 may be provided preformed on the firstsuture 1830.

In FIG. 84, the suture passer 100 of FIG. 5 is shown in use to form astitch with a second, or repair, suture 1838 through the lateral portionof the plantar plate 44 adjacent the tear near the insertion of theplantar plate 44 onto the proximal phalanx 50. Multiple stitches may becreated. Also, the second suture 1838 may be tensioned to apply tractionto the plantar plate 44 to better expose the plantar plate 44 tofacilitate placing additional stitches or additional sutures.

In FIG. 85, the ends of the second suture 1838 are placed through theloop 1836 of the first suture 1830 in preparation for pulling the secondsuture 1838 through the bone tunnel 1834.

In FIG. 86, the first suture 1830 has been pulled back through the bonetunnel pulling the second suture 1838 with it and the second suture 1838has been tensioned to reattach the torn portion of the plantar plate 44.The suture may be secured by any suitable method such as tying, securingover a button, securing with an interference fastener, or other suitablemethod.

FIGS. 87-91 depict an illustrative method to repair a more extensivetear of the plantar plate 44 than that of FIGS. 79-86. For example, theplantar plate may be torn for more than 50% of its width where itattaches to the proximal phalanx 50 such as in a Coughlin Grade II tear,it may be torn from both sides, or it may be completely separated fromthe proximal phalanx. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 87-91, theplantar plate has been completely separated from the proximal phalanx.In FIG. 87 the suture retriever 1300 has been used as in FIGS. 79-83 tocreate a medial bone tunnel 1840 and a lateral bone tunnel 1842 toposition two passing sutures 1844, 1846 in the tunnels.

In FIG. 88, the suture passer 100 is used to place one or more repairsutures into the torn end of the plantar plate 44. In the illustrativeexample of FIGS. 87-91 two repair sutures 1848, 1850 are used and theirends are passed through the tunnels 1840, 1842 with the passing sutures1844, 1846 as shown in FIGS. 89 and 90. An initial traction suture maybe passed through the plantar plate and tensioned to apply traction tothe plantar plate 44 to better expose the plantar plate 44 to facilitateplacing additional stitches or additional sutures.

In FIG. 90, the repair sutures 1848, 1850 have been tensioned toreattach the plantar plate 44.

In FIG. 91, the repair sutures 1848, 1850 have been tied together overthe bone bridge between the two tunnels 1840, 1842 to secure the plantarplate 44.

FIGS. 92-97 depict an illustrative method to repair a PCL. In theillustrative example of FIGS. 92-97, the medial PCL 36 is detached fromits bony insertion on the proximal phalanx.

In FIG. 92, the suture retriever 1300 of FIG. 52 has been positionedwith its foot 1324 toward the medial-plantar aspect of the proximal endof the proximal phalanx with the opening 1332 at the medial PCLinsertion. The guide tube 1382 is aligned with the lateral-dorsal aspectof the proximal phalanx so that the tunnel crosses through the proximalphalanx and exits at the PCL insertion. The suture retriever 1300 allowsthe surgeon to place bone tunnels at any desired location andorientation to compliment a desired repair technique. The drill assembly1500 is guided by the guide tube 1382 to form a bone tunnel 1852.

In FIG. 93, the obturator 1560 has been removed leaving the drill tube1510 in place to guide a first, or passing, suture 1854 to the opening1332 in the foot 1324.

In FIG. 94, the first suture 1854 has been inserted until a stopper atits distal end is passed through the opening 1332 to engage the foot1324

In FIG. 95, the suture retriever 1300 has been withdrawn from theproximal phalanx 50 pulling the distal end of the first suture 1854 withit to advance the first suture 1854 in the bone tunnel 1852.

In FIG. 96, the stopper has been cut off of the distal end of the firstsuture 1854 to free the first suture from the retriever 1300 and thedistal end of the first suture 1854 has been tied to form a loop 1856.Alternatively, the loop 1856 may be provided preformed on the firstsuture 1854. The suture passer 100 of FIG. 5 is shown in use to form astitch with a second, or repair, suture 1858 through the distal end ofthe medial PCL 36. Multiple stitches may be created.

In FIG. 97, the ends of the second suture 1858 have been placed throughthe loop 1856 of the first suture 1854 and pulled through the bonetunnel 1852. The second suture 1858 has been tensioned to reattach themedial PCL. The suture may be secured by any suitable method such astying, securing over a button, securing with an interference fastener,or other suitable method.

FIGS. 98 and 99 depict an illustrative method for a bilateral PCL repairin which both the lateral and medial PCLs are repaired using tunnels1860, 1862 that pass one another as they cross the proximal phalanx 30without intersecting to exit at the lateral and medial PCL insertionsrespectively. Passing sutures 1864, 1866 are used to pull repair sutures1868, 1870 through the bone tunnels 1860, 1862. The repair sutures 1868,1879 are used to secure the lateral and medial PCLs 38, 36.

FIGS. 100 and 101 depict an illustrative method to repair an ACL. Thisrepair may be performed unilaterally or bilaterally similar to theillustrative examples depicted for the plantar plate and PCL. The ACLsoriginate coincident with the PCLs and insert into the junction betweenthe edges of the plantar plate 44 and the transverse intermetatarsalligament (IML) 1890. The IML is a narrow band of connective tissue thatextends between and connects together the heads of the metatarsal bones.In the illustrative method of FIGS. 100 and 101, a bilateral ACL repairaccording to the present invention is depicted in which both the medialand lateral ACLs 40, 42 have been repaired. The method begins as in thebilateral PCL repair with the formation of bone tunnels 1871, 1872 inthe proximal phalanx. Passing sutures (not shown) are placed through thetunnels 1871, 1872 using a suture retriever such as suture retriever1300 of FIG. 52. The severed ends of the ACL's 40, 42 are located andthe ends of the ACLs are stitched such as with the suture passer 100 ofFIG. 5 with one or more stitches. Each repair suture 1874, 1876 ispassed through the IML 1890 at the anatomic insertion of the ACL. Therepair sutures 1874, 1876 are passed through the bone tunnels using thepassing sutures. The repair sutures 1874, 1876 are secured. For example,in a bilateral repair the sutures may be tied together as shown in FIG.101.

The illustrative examples have depicted repairs of soft tissues adjacentthe MTP joint of the human foot and have shown the repairs in use toattach the insertion end of the soft tissue to the proximal phalanx. Itis also within the scope of the present invention to repair soft tissuesdetached at their origins by forming tunnels in the metatarsal bone,stitching the detached ends, and pulling the repair sutures through themetatarsal tunnels. It is also within the scope of the invention torepair soft tissues adjacent other joints. Furthermore, the illustrativeexamples have depicted discrete repairs of the PP, PCL, and ACL.However, it is to be understood that one or more unilateral or bilateralrepairs may be combined to repair multiple soft tissues. For example,the PP repair may be combined with the PCL repair and utilize the sametunnels or additional tunnels may be created. Likewise, the PP and ACLrepairs may be combined. Likewise, the PCL and ACL repairs may becombined. Likewise, the PP, PCL, and ACL repairs may be combined.Finally, similar repairs of the joints of the hand are within the scopeof the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of repairing soft tissue of a joint of ahuman extremity, the joint including a metapodial bone and a proximalphalanx, the extremity having volar and dorsal aspects, the methodcomprising: maintaining the metapodial bone intact; forming a bonetunnel through the proximal phalanx between volar and dorsal aspects ofthe proximal phalanx; passing a repair suture through the soft tissue tobe repaired; passing the repair suture through the bone tunnel; andsecuring the suture, wherein the soft tissue to be repaired comprises avolar ligament and wherein forming a bone tunnel comprises forming abone tunnel between volar and dorsal aspects of the proximal phalanx,wherein the metapodial bone is a metatarsal bone and the volar ligamentis the plantar plate of a human foot.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereinthe soft tissue to be repaired further comprises a collateral ligamentand the method further comprises: passing a repair suture through thecollateral ligament; and passing the repair suture through thecollateral ligament through the same bone tunnel as the suture passingthrough the volar ligament.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprisingbefore passing the repair suture through the bone tunnel: placing apassing suture in the bone tunnel.
 4. The method of claim 1 whereinpassing a repair suture through soft tissue to be repaired comprises:positioning a distal portion of a suture passer volar to the softtissue, the suture passer comprising a housing defining a linear motionaxis extending proximally to distally, a needle mounted for translationalong the motion axis between a first proximal position and a seconddistal position, the distal portion of the suture passer having anopening aligned with the motion axis and able to receive the needle inthe second position; extending the needle through the soft tissue andinto the opening in the distal portion; and retracting the needle toretrieve a portion of the repair suture through the soft tissue.
 5. Themethod of claim 4 wherein extending the needle comprises constrainingthe needle to motion along a linear axis throughout its range of motion.6. The method of claim 4 further comprising forming a plurality ofconnected stitches in the soft tissue.
 7. A method of repairing softtissue of a joint of a human extremity, the joint including a metapodialbone and a proximal phalanx, the extremity having volar and dorsalaspects, the method comprising: maintaining the metapodial bone intact;forming a bone tunnel through the proximal phalanx between volar anddorsal aspects of the proximal phalanx; passing a repair suture throughthe soft tissue to be repaired; passing the repair suture through thebone tunnel; and securing the suture, wherein the soft tissue to berepaired comprises a volar ligament and wherein forming a bone tunnelcomprises forming a first bone tunnel between volar and dorsal aspectsof the proximal phalanx near the medial side of the proximal phalanx anda second bone tunnel between volar and dorsal aspects of the proximalphalanx near the lateral side of the proximal phalanx and whereinpassing a repair suture through the bone tunnel further comprisespassing a first portion of a repair suture through the first bone tunneland a second portion of a repair suture through the second bone tunnel,wherein the metapodial bone is a metatarsal bone and the volar ligamentis the plantar plate of a human foot.
 8. The method of claim 7 whereinthe first and second portions are ends of the same repair suture.
 9. Themethod of claim 7 wherein the first and second portions are ends ofdifferent repair sutures.
 10. A method of repairing soft tissue of ajoint of a human extremity, the joint including a metapodial bone and aproximal phalanx, the extremity having volar and dorsal aspects, themethod comprising: maintaining the metapodial bone intact; forming abone tunnel through the proximal phalanx between volar and dorsalaspects of the proximal phalanx; passing a repair suture through thesoft tissue to be repaired; passing the repair suture through the bonetunnel; and securing the suture, wherein the soft tissue to be repairedcomprises a collateral ligament and wherein forming a bone tunnelcomprises forming a bone tunnel between the volar and dorsal aspects ofthe proximal phalanx in the vicinity of the anatomic collateral ligamentinsertion on the proximal phalanx, wherein the metapodial bone is ametatarsal bone and the collateral ligament is a proper collateralligament of a human foot.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the softtissue to be repaired comprises medial and lateral collateral ligamentsand wherein forming a bone tunnel comprises forming a first bone tunnelbetween the volar and dorsal aspects of the proximal phalanxintersecting the anatomic insertion of the medial collateral ligament onthe proximal phalanx and forming a second bone tunnel between the volarand dorsal aspects of the proximal phalanx intersecting the anatomicinsertion of the lateral collateral ligament on the proximal phalanx,further wherein passing a repair suture through the soft tissue to berepaired comprises passing a first repair suture through the medialcollateral ligament and passing a second repair suture through thelateral collateral ligament, and further wherein passing a repair suturethrough the bone tunnel further comprises passing the first repairsuture through the first tunnel and passing the second repair suturethrough the second tunnel.
 12. A method of repairing soft tissue of ajoint of a human extremity, the joint including a metapodial bone and aproximal phalanx, the extremity having volar and dorsal aspects, themethod comprising: maintaining the metapodial bone intact; forming abone tunnel through the proximal phalanx between volar and dorsalaspects of the proximal phalanx; passing a repair suture through thesoft tissue to be repaired; passing the repair suture through the bonetunnel; and securing the suture, wherein the soft tissue to be repairedcomprises a collateral ligament and wherein forming a bone tunnelcomprises forming a bone tunnel between volar and dorsal aspects of theproximal phalanx, the method further comprising after passing a repairsuture through the soft tissue to be repaired and before passing therepair suture through the bone tunnel: passing the repair suture into atransverse ligament connecting adjacent metapodial bones of theextremity.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the metapodial bone is ametatarsal bone, the collateral ligament is an accessory collateralligament of a human foot, and the transverse ligament is the transversemetatarsal ligament.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein the metapodialbone is a metatarsal bone and the medial and lateral collateralligaments are the medial and lateral proper collateral ligaments of ahuman metatarsophalangeal joint.
 15. A method of repairing soft tissueof a joint of a human extremity, the joint including a metapodial boneand a proximal phalanx, the extremity having volar and dorsal aspects,the method comprising: maintaining the metapodial bone intact; forming abone tunnel through the proximal phalanx between volar and dorsalaspects of the proximal phalanx; passing a repair suture through thesoft tissue to be repaired; passing the repair suture through the bonetunnel; and securing the suture, wherein the soft tissue to be repairedcomprises medial and lateral collateral ligaments and wherein forming abone tunnel comprises forming first and second bone tunnels betweenvolar and dorsal aspects of the proximal phalanx, further whereinpassing a repair suture through the soft tissue to be repaired comprisespassing a first repair suture through the medial collateral ligament andpassing a second repair suture through the lateral collateral ligament,further wherein passing a repair suture through the bone tunnel furthercomprises passing the first repair suture through the first tunnel andpassing the second repair suture through the second tunnel, the methodfurther comprising after passing a repair suture through the soft tissueto be repaired and before passing the repair suture through the bonetunnels: passing the first repair suture through a transverse ligamentconnecting adjacent metapodial bones of the extremity medial of thejoint; and passing the second repair suture through a transverseligament connecting adjacent metapodial bones of the extremity lateralof the joint.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the metapodial bone isa metatarsal bone, the collateral ligaments are accessory collateralligaments of a human foot, and the transverse ligament is theintermetatarsal ligament.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein placing apassing suture comprises: positioning a receiver of a suture retrieverat a first position adjacent the proximal phalanx; placing a firstportion of the passing suture through the bone tunnel until the firstportion of the passing suture is received by the receiver; retaining thefirst portion with the receiver; and moving the receiver away from thefirst position to advance the suture into the bone.
 18. The method ofclaim 17 wherein the first portion of the passing suture includes astopper and the receiver includes a passage and the method furthercomprises: orienting the stopper in a first orientation; passing thestopper through the passage in the first orientation; and orienting thestopper in a second orientation to prevent the stopper from passing backthrough the passage.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein the firstportion of the passing suture includes a stopper and the receiverincludes a passage and the method further comprises passing the stopperthrough the passage.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein the sutureretriever further includes a guide aligned with the receiver and whereinforming a bone tunnel through the proximal phalanx comprises guiding acutter with the guide to form the tunnel.